3 answers
Amanda
Student
Honolulu, Hawaii
1
Question
Updated
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What are some of the pros and cons to going away for college versus staying at home?
I am currently a senior in high school and have applied to some colleges. However, I don't know if I want to stay home or go away, so how should I prepare for this big change in my life while also considering student life, academics, cost, and finance programs?
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3 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Amanda. One of the biggest advantages of going away for college is the opportunity for independence. You get to live on your own, meet new people, and experience a different place. Being on campus can make it easier to join clubs, make friends, and feel like part of the school community. You may also grow a lot as a person because you're learning to handle responsibilities on your own. However, going away can be much more expensive, since you have to pay for housing, food, and travel. Living far from home can also be stressful if you're not used to being on your own or managing everything yourself.
Staying at home for college also has strong benefits. It's usually much cheaper because you don't have to pay for room and board, and you can rely on support from your family. This can make the transition from high school to college easier. You may also be able to focus more on your classes without dealing with the stress of moving to a new place. But staying home might make it harder to get involved in campus life, and you may feel like you're missing out on some of the social experiences that come with living on campus. Commuting can also take time and energy.
To prepare for this change, you need to gather the necessary information. You may visit the colleges you're considering, both close to home and farther away, to see where you feel most comfortable. You can also compare the financial aid offers you receive, including scholarships, grants, and work-study options, because these can make a big difference in cost.
No matter what you choose, it's helpful to build skills like time management and budgeting. These will help you succeed whether you live at home or on campus. Hope this helps. All the best.
Staying at home for college also has strong benefits. It's usually much cheaper because you don't have to pay for room and board, and you can rely on support from your family. This can make the transition from high school to college easier. You may also be able to focus more on your classes without dealing with the stress of moving to a new place. But staying home might make it harder to get involved in campus life, and you may feel like you're missing out on some of the social experiences that come with living on campus. Commuting can also take time and energy.
To prepare for this change, you need to gather the necessary information. You may visit the colleges you're considering, both close to home and farther away, to see where you feel most comfortable. You can also compare the financial aid offers you receive, including scholarships, grants, and work-study options, because these can make a big difference in cost.
No matter what you choose, it's helpful to build skills like time management and budgeting. These will help you succeed whether you live at home or on campus. Hope this helps. All the best.
Thank you so much for your advice! This is really helpful as I figure out which college to attend.
Amanda
You're very welcome
Wong Loke Yuen
Deepam Vyas
Interest Rate Risk Manager
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Deepam’s Answer
Hi Amanda, I would consider what your priorities are and what you would like to get out of college. I went to a college that was 20 minutes drive from home and my parents were helping me with tuition so minimizing that cost was my top priority. Since I lived close to college, I didn't feel that I missed out on a lot of college experience. I always had several friends who lived on campus that I can stay with when I wanted, so you can also take that into consideration if that is a possibility. In hindsight, maybe living at campus for one year would have helped me gain more independence, but that eventually happened at a later time, post graduation when I started my job. Ultimately, the question is: what are your goals? There are multiple ways to get there and that answer is different for everyone.
Priyali Kasera (she/her)
Finance
8
Answers
Gurugram, Haryana, India
Updated
Priyali’s Answer
Hey Amanda, I've been away from home for over 17 years now.
Choosing whether to go away for college or stay home is a big decision, and both have their own benefits and challenges. Going away can offer you freedom, a fresh start, and the chance to meet new people. You'll learn to manage your time and responsibilities, which helps you grow. It might cost more and feel a bit overwhelming at first.
Staying at home is often cheaper and more comfortable. You'll have your support system nearby and can settle into college life without worrying about rent or living alone. However, you might find it harder to get involved in campus activities and miss out on some experiences that build confidence.
Think about what matters most to you: independence, comfort, finances, or strong academic programs. Look into the colleges you're considering — check their programs, campus culture, activities, and support services. Talk to current students, visit campuses if you can, and compare real costs. Choose the place where you believe you'll grow, stay motivated, and feel supported.
There’s no wrong choice here. College is about discovering who you are, and either path can help you do that if you plan wisely and stay open to new experiences.
Sometimes I wonder if having home support would have made things easier, but then I see how much I've grown out in the world. This choice is yours, so pick what's best for you in both education and finances. I moved because my hometown didn't offer advanced education facilities.
Hope this helps.
Good luck! You can do it!
Choosing whether to go away for college or stay home is a big decision, and both have their own benefits and challenges. Going away can offer you freedom, a fresh start, and the chance to meet new people. You'll learn to manage your time and responsibilities, which helps you grow. It might cost more and feel a bit overwhelming at first.
Staying at home is often cheaper and more comfortable. You'll have your support system nearby and can settle into college life without worrying about rent or living alone. However, you might find it harder to get involved in campus activities and miss out on some experiences that build confidence.
Think about what matters most to you: independence, comfort, finances, or strong academic programs. Look into the colleges you're considering — check their programs, campus culture, activities, and support services. Talk to current students, visit campuses if you can, and compare real costs. Choose the place where you believe you'll grow, stay motivated, and feel supported.
There’s no wrong choice here. College is about discovering who you are, and either path can help you do that if you plan wisely and stay open to new experiences.
Sometimes I wonder if having home support would have made things easier, but then I see how much I've grown out in the world. This choice is yours, so pick what's best for you in both education and finances. I moved because my hometown didn't offer advanced education facilities.
Hope this helps.
Good luck! You can do it!